Manas Dasgupta
NEW DELHI, July 11: At least 15 Indian tourists, including 13 men and 2 women, were killed after a boat carrying tourists and crew members capsized off Hon May Rut Ngoai near the Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam on Saturday afternoon.
A massive rescue operation launched after the accident rescued 21 people who were taken to hospital, including two in critical condition, as per the state media. The Indian mission has set up control rooms to assist those affected. The incident happened at 1:00 pm local time (11:30 am IST).
The vessel was carrying 36 people, including 32 Indian tourists, three crew members and one attendant, as per local media reports. The boat reportedly overturned shortly after leaving Hon May Rut Ngoai island for An Thoi Port, amid rough seas and strong winds. All passengers and crew members fell into the water.
Sharing the update on X, the embassy wrote, “In a tragic incident, a boat carrying several Indian tourists has capsized near Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam. Exact details of the incident are being ascertained as search and rescue operations by local authorities are ongoing.”
The Indian Embassy in Vietnam said the exact details of the incident were being ascertained, while adding that it was closely monitoring the situation. “In order to provide information and assistance to affected families, a Control Room at the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City has been setup which can be reached at: +84 36 281 7930, +84 91 552 37 14 and +84 33 452 0414,” the embassy said. “We are available for any assistance and queries.” In another post, the mission released the list of the 32 Indians who were on the speedboat.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was extremely saddened’ with what happened in Vietnam, offering condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. He also said the Indian officials were coordinating with local authorities to provide assistance to the family members. “My prayers for the early recovery of the injured survivors,” he said on X. “Our Embassy and Consulate are providing all possible assistance. Our officials are also in close contact with the Vietnamese authorities.”
The local media reports said the dead tourists included 10 from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh and two from Kerala. Multiple videos have also surfaced on social media that showed the authorities and the locals rescuing the people and providing them with medical assistance.
The authorities stated the incident happened when the boat was transporting the tourists to An Thoi Port from Hon May Rut. It capsized around 400 metres off Hon May Rut Ngoai, they said, adding that nearby tourists were the first responders.
The boat was operated by the Ocean Pear Island Company, authorities said, adding that most of the tourists were trapped inside the boat after it overturned. They further said the sea was rough, which only made the rescue operation difficult. “Only a few people were brought out conscious,” media reports said.
Vietnam is one of the most popular destinations for Indian tourists because of its affordable luxury and visa-friendly policies. Around 7.46 lakh Indian tourists had visited Vietnam alone in 2025, which shows the popularity of the south-east Asian country among the Indians.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, has become one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting many Indian visitors in recent years. A total of 110 Lava Distributors and Employees from South India were on a visit together, sources said. Lava Mobiles in a post on X said “the incident involves some of our channel partners and team members.” The company said it was extending all possible support to those affected and their families.
The cause of the accident wasn’t immediately clear and an investigation was underway. Vietnamese authorities suspect rough sea conditions and a possible mechanical malfunction.
The Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi urged the government and the Ministry of External Affairs “to work closely with the Vietnamese authorities to ensure that every possible effort is made in the ongoing rescue operations and that all necessary assistance is extended to the affected families.” “My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. My thoughts are also with those who are still missing, and with their families enduring an agonising wait,” he said in a statement on X.
Andhra Pradesh Minister of Human Resources Development Nara Lokesh spoke with senior officials regarding the accident and sought details from AP Bhavan officials in New Delhi as well as state government authorities. Lokesh directed officials to coordinate with the Central Government to ensure all possible assistance is provided to the affected persons and their families.
